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Ankyloglossia: incidence and associated feeding difficulties.
A H Messner1, M L Lalakea, J Aby
1Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, Palo Alto, Calif 94304, USA.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|January 11, 2000
Summary
Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) affects 4.8% of newborns. While most infants with tongue-tie can be breastfed, they experience significantly more feeding difficulties compared to unaffected infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Lactation Consultancy
Background:
- Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is a condition affecting newborns.
- The incidence and impact of ankyloglossia on breastfeeding require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of ankyloglossia in neonates.
- To assess the association between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding difficulties.
Main Methods:
- Prospective controlled study conducted at a tertiary care children's hospital.
- Screening of 1041 neonates for ankyloglossia.
- Follow-up of mothers with ankyloglossic infants and a control group for 6 months to assess breastfeeding outcomes.
Main Results:
- The incidence of ankyloglossia was 4.8% (50 out of 1041 neonates).
- Mothers of infants with ankyloglossia reported significantly higher rates of breastfeeding difficulties (25%) compared to controls (3%).
- Successful breastfeeding rates for at least 2 months were high in both groups (83% with ankyloglossia vs. 92% without), though slightly lower in the ankyloglossia group.
Conclusions:
- Ankyloglossia is a common condition in newborns.
- Ankyloglossia is associated with an increased risk of breastfeeding difficulties in infants.